“Arrogant Trespass”: the Normans landing at Bannow strand

Dermot Mac Murrough, King of Leinster, had his hopes fulfilled at last when, in May 1169, a small band of 30 knights and 360 soldiers landed quietly on Bannow Strand, in the south of Wexford.

The Knights – of Norman / Welsh extraction – were nearly all related to each other. It was something of a family adventure, the Irish undertaking; many had little to lose in Wales, and hoped to improve their individual lot in answering Dermot’s call for help.

The equipment, horses and armour and supplies, is hauled up on to the shore. The knights’ leader, Robert Fitzstephen, is seen being greeted by Dermot and his followers, they having rushed from Ferns to meet them.